As India still waits for Starlink's launch, China is pushing ahead on its own with an indigenous satellite internet infrastructure meant for both ordinary users and military use.

Two networks, 28,000 satellites

China has carried out two space launches in the past 15 days, sending satellites into orbit to build a large satellite internet fleet. According to reports, China is advancing on its own strength in satellite internet and is working on a network bigger than Starlink. Starlink is the world's largest satellite internet company, with more than 11,000 satellites. China's plan is to launch 28,000 satellites into space, and the internet from them will be used by ordinary people as well as for military work.

Guowang, the state-run constellation

China is sending satellites into space through two networks. The first is Guowang, run by the China Satellite Network Group, a Chinese state company, which has so far sent 222 satellites into space. Through Guowang, China will place 13,000 satellites in orbit. Its first launch took place in December 2024, and it connects the government and the military with satellite internet connectivity.

Qianfan, the Starlink-style service

The second network is Qianfan, run by Shanghai Spacesail Technology, which has so far placed 248 satellites in orbit. Through Qianfan, a constellation of 15,000 satellites is being prepared, which will offer people a service similar to Starlink. Reports say China's aim is to build its own satellite internet infrastructure and to compete with Starlink in broadband coverage and satellite internet launches.

800 to 1,200 km up, up to 300 Mbps

China's satellite network is being built at an altitude of 800 to 1,200 kilometres. Starlink's satellite network, by comparison, sits at under 550 kilometres. Once China's network is ready, internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps will be possible on the ground, with latency of 40 to 80 milliseconds, meaning a fast connection.

India still waiting for Starlink

On one side China is meeting its needs indigenously, while in India the wait for Starlink continues. Recently there was much debate between Starlink and Jio, after Elon Musk said that some companies were preventing Starlink from starting services in India. Jio has announced that it will start sending satellites into space by next year to launch satellite internet.